Alex Eala landed in Manila on Wednesday night following an early exit in the Australian Open.

Together with his parents, Mike and Riza Eala, and coach Joan Bosch, the 20-year-old tennis sensation was met by Philippine Lawn Tennis Association secretary general John Rey Tiangco at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Eala will take a brief rest before plunging into training in preparation for the Philippine Women’s Open – a prestigious Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 event that will be held at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on Monday.

“Yes, I will be playing next week. I’m looking forward to it and I hope people can show up and support the Pinays,” said Eala, who will banner the country together with rising star Tennielle Madis and Kaye Emanas.

“It’s a huge milestone for Philippine tennis and I think it’s a big deal for all of us, Filipina tennis players.”

Eala added that playing in front of the local crowd has been her dream.

“It’s been a dream to have a home tournament,” said Eala, hoping to get ranking points in the WTA event.

“So I’m happy that it’s going to bring a lot of inspiration for the girls back home.”

Tipped to challenge Eala are world No. 42 Tatjana Maria of Germany and No. 46 Wang Xinyu of China, No. 59 Janice Tjen of Indonesia, No. 63 Solana Sierra of Argentina, No. 72 Donna Vekic of Croatia, No. 76 Kimberly Birrell of Australia, and No. 84 Camila Osorio of Colombia.